Driving in Italy: 5+ Important tips You Should Know

Thinking about renting a car in Italy? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first to panic-Google “how to survive driving in Italy.”

Whether you’re a first-time tourist, a military spouse PCSing to Vicenza, or a traveler planning that dreamy Dolomites road trip, here’s the truth: driving in Italy can be thrilling, freeing, and yes—frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

When I first moved here, I was terrified. I’d already driven in Poland and Korea, but Italy? Italy is a whole different beast. I white-knuckled the steering wheel through my first roundabout and questioned every traffic sign I passed. I once cried at a toll booth in Milan (don’t worry—I’ll explain how to avoid that!).

But here’s the good news: once you understand how things work—what signs matter, where ZTL zones are hiding, and what to never do at an Italian gas station—driving becomes one of the best ways to explore the country. It gives you the freedom to chase sunsets in the Tuscan hills, explore hilltop towns without bus timetables, and reach hikes in the Dolomites that public transport just doesn’t cover.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5+ must-know tips for driving in Italy—including:

• How to avoid massive fines (hello, ZTLs)
• What documents you need
• Roundabouts, toll booths, and why the left lane isn’t just a suggestion
• Tips for military families stationed in Italy
• What it’s really like driving in Northern Italy vs Southern Italy

Scroll down for real advice from someone who lives here, drives here, and has learned (sometimes the hard way) what not to do.

1. What You Actually Need Before You Drive in Italy (Don’t Skip This)

Before you even zip up your suitcase, there are a few documents and calls you have to check off your list—because trust me, the car rental counter is not the place you want surprises.

• A valid driver’s license. Sounds obvious, but check the expiration date now. You’d be shocked how many travelers forget this one.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP). If you’re a non-EU citizen (Americans, this means you), this is required by Italian law. No, it’s not just a “nice to have”—you may be refused a rental car without it. You can get one quickly through AAA or your country’s automobile association.
• Call your car insurance provider. Ask if you’re covered while driving in Italy and what your liability limits are. Not all policies extend overseas.
• Call your credit card company. If you’re using a major card to book your rental, it may include collision coverage, but only if you decline the rental agency’s insurance. (Yes, it’s confusing. That’s why a quick call is worth it.)

2. What You Need to Know About ZTL Zones, Roundabouts, and Toll Roads in Italy

Once you’ve got the keys in hand, it’s time to get familiar with what makes driving in Italy actually doable—and what can earn you a fine faster than you can say “Gelato.”

🚫 ZTL Zones: The #1 Way Tourists Get Fined in Italy

ZTL stands for Zona a Traffico Limitato—or Limited Traffic Zone. These areas are found in almost every historic city center, and unless you have a special permit (like locals or hotel guests who’ve registered in advance), you are not allowed to drive through them.

• How do you spot one? Look for the round red sign with a white center and the words Zona a Traffico Limitato.
• Some cities use a traffic light system: green = access allowed, red = restricted.
• Cameras are always watching. If you drive through a ZTL without authorization, you’ll likely receive a hefty fine mailed months later.

Roundabouts in Italy: How Not to Panic

Italy has roundabouts everywhere. They’re efficient, but they can be confusing if you’re new to driving in Europe.

Here’s the golden rule:
Unless signs indicate otherwise, yield to cars already inside the roundabout.

• Signal clearly when exiting.
• If you’re unsure, slow down and stay right until you can figure it out.
• In rare rural cases, priority may be given to those entering from the right. Look for posted signs!

Autostrada & Toll Roads in Italy: What to Expect

Italy’s major highways—called the Autostrada—are well-maintained, fast, and full of toll booths. Here’s what you need to know:

• No vignette needed. Italy charges tolls based on distance, not a flat fee.
• Toll booths (Caselli) are everywhere. You’ll take a ticket when entering and pay when exiting.
• Accepted payments: Cash, contactless cards, or chip-and-PIN credit cards. But don’t count on AMEX—it often doesn’t work.
• Lost your toll ticket? Hit the call button at the booth and explain where you entered. The system will calculate the fare from that point.

Official Italian toll website: www.autostrade.it
Use it to calculate toll costs ahead of your trip.

Slow is smooth, and smooth is safe.
Even if Italian drivers seem like they’re in a Fast & Furious remake, you don’t need to match their pace. Stay calm, take your time, and stick to the right lane unless you’re passing. Trust me—this mindset can make your driving experience in Italy far less stressful.

3. Map of Tolls in Italy

4. Getting Gas in Italy: What You Need to Know Before the Tank Hits Empty

It might seem simple—pull over, pump, pay—but fueling up in Italy isn’t always as straightforward as you’d expect. And yes, this section belongs here, because the gas station is often where travelers get confused, delayed, or accidentally put diesel in a rental car.

Let’s avoid all of that.

Here’s what you need to know:

What Are Gas Stations Called in Italy?

You’ll see them labeled as “benzinaio” or “distributore di benzina”. ENI and Q8 are common chains, and we stop at whatever ENI we stumble across.

• On the autostrada: Stations are open 24/7 and often have shops, food, and bathrooms. They’re super convenient—but also more expensive.
• In small towns or countryside, Many close for riposo (lunch break), usually from 1 PM to 3 PM, and some close entirely on Sundays or holidays.

Translation? Don’t wait until you’re running on fumes—plan your fuel stops ahead.

How to Use Self-Service Pumps (Fai da Te)

Most stations use self-service, especially after hours. Here’s how it usually works:

1. Pull up to the pump.
2. Look for a payment machine nearby (it may be a standalone kiosk).
3. Insert a banknote (yes, cash is still common!) or sometimes a card.
4. Select your pump number before fueling.
5. Pump your gas and take your change (if applicable—many machines won’t give change).

Benzina or Diesel? Double-Check!

This is the mistake that ruins trips—and rentals. Make sure you know what fuel your car takes:

• Benzina = Gasoline (Petrol)
• Gasolio = Diesel

Check the rental car keychain, gas cap, or dash label. If you’re not 100% sure—ask. Putting the wrong fuel in a rental car can be very expensive, and insurance won’t always cover it.

Quick Fueling Tips:

• Don’t wait to fill up in rural areas—stations can be few and far between.
• Keep €10–20 in cash handy just in case.
• On major roads, look for stations labeled “aperto” (open) vs. “chiuso” (closed).
• If you’re ever stuck or confused, most stations have a button to call the attendant (servito)—but note, you’ll often pay more for this full-service option.

5. Italian Road Signs & Words You Should Know Before You Drive

Even if you don’t speak Italian, learning a few key road-related words can save you a lot of stress behind the wheel. These are the signs and terms you’ll see constantly—on highways, in small towns, and especially in historic zones with restrictions (hello, ZTLs).

Here’s your cheat sheet to driving-related Italian vocabulary:

Italian Word or Phrase	Meaning
Destra	Right
Sinistra	Left
Dritto	Straight
Uscita	Exit
Pedaggio	Toll
Stop	Stop (yes, it’s the same!)
Alt	Stop (often used at checks)
Dogana	Customs
Polizia	Police
Autostrada	Highway / Toll Road
Strada	Road
Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL)	Restricted Traffic Zone
Parcheggio	Parking
Velocità Massima	Maximum Speed
Velocità Minima	Minimum Speed
Divieto di Sosta	No Parking
Divieto di Transito	No Entry

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Bonus Tip: Know Your Sign Colors

Italian road signs follow a color-coded system, which helps when you’re flying down the autostrada and trying to make a decision fast:

• 🟩 Green signs = Autostrada (major toll roads/highways)
• 🟦 Blue signs = Regional or suburban roads
• ⬜ White signs = Local roads, usually within cities or towns

Keep an eye out for circular signs with red borders (those usually mean restrictions or prohibitions) and triangular signs (warnings).

6. In Case of an Accident While Driving in Italy

These tips were passed down to us from the USAG Italy drivers course, and I think these are great to share with my readers!

7. Emergency Phrases to Know While Driving in Italy

I hope you’ll never need these—but if something goes wrong on the road, knowing a few emergency phrases in Italian can make all the difference.

Whether you’re calling for help, explaining a breakdown, or trying to find the nearest hospital, these phrases will help you stay calm and get the support you need.

English Phrase	Italian Translation	Pronunciation (Quick & Friendly)
Help!	Aiuto!	ah-yooh-toh
Call the police!	Chiamate la polizia!	kee-ah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsee-ah
Call an ambulance!	Chiamate un’ambulanza!	kee-ah-mah-teh oon ahm-boo-lahn-tsah
I need a doctor.	Ho bisogno di un medico.	oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oon meh-dee-koh
I need help.	Ho bisogno di aiuto.	oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee ah-ee-yoo-toh
There’s been an accident.	C’è stato un incidente.	chay stah-toh oon een-chee-den-teh
I’m lost.	Mi sono perso/a.	mee soh-noh pehr-soh (m) / pehr-sah (f)
Where is the nearest hospital?	Dove è l’ospedale più vicino?	doh-veh eh lohs-peh-dah-leh pyoo vee-chee-noh
My car has broken down.	La mia macchina si è rotta.	lah mee-ah mah-kee-nah see eh roh-tah
I need a tow truck.	Ho bisogno di un carro attrezzi.	oh bee-zoh-nyoh dee oon kah-rroh ah-tret-tsee

8. Staying Safe

Regardless if you are driving in Italy or not, Safety should always be a priority when traveling. Here are some safety tips:

• Keep Valuables Secure: Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
• Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in Italy. The general emergency number is 112.
• Stay Informed: Stay updated on local news and travel advisories.

9. take it easy… relax and try to enjoy your time driving through Italy.

Conclusion

A road trip through Italy offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. If you are ready to discover what’s beyond Italy, why not learn all about vignettes and what they are in other countries?

With careful planning and an open mind, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime!

Not sure if driving is right for your trip?

Check out my next guide: How to Travel Italy by Train (What to Know Before You Board)
From booking regional tickets to navigating platforms like a pro, this post will help you confidently ride Italy’s train system—even if it’s your first time.

➡️ What Are Vignettes and Do You Need One in Italy?
Spoiler: Italy doesn’t use vignettes—but you might need one in neighboring countries. This concise post clarifies all the confusion.